“Among the other implications of this text, what does it mean for evangelism? Simply put, it means that the first hurdle, the hurdle of “proving God’s existence” has been cleared. We don’t have to convince anyone of what they already know to be true; we need to help them stop suppressing it. This is not to say that we shouldn’t have a rounded apologetic, and be able to discuss the evidences for God, creationism, etc. However, “proving God” is not a predicate for evangelism.”

You’ve never met an atheist.

You may have met those who deny God, sure. You may have read their books. You may have encountered their unbelief in the public square.

But if Paul was right (in Romans 1), you’ve never met an atheist.

In Romans 1, Paul made a sweeping observation (indictment, really) about mankind, saying that “what may be known of God is manifest in them.” In simple terms, this means that the knowledge of God is hardwired into each of us. It means that the knowledge of God comes natural, like breathing.

And it also means that you’ve never met an atheist, because there aren’t any.

Chapter 1 of Romans has barely begun when Paul voids our ignorance. He says that we come into this world knowing the truth of our existence (and of God’s), but because we don’t like the implications of this truth, we suppress it (Romans 1:18).

In other words, Paul doesn’t think that men are ignorant (or neutral) toward God. Quite the opposite– he labors early in Romans to condemn humanity— based on the enmity we have toward our Maker from birth. He says we’re not ignorant, just good liars.

Specifically, he wrote:

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:18-20

Among the other implications of this text, what does it mean for evangelism?

Simply put, it means that the first hurdle, the hurdle of “proving God’s existence” has been cleared. We don’t have to convince anyone of what they already know to be true; we need to help them stop suppressing it. This is not to say that we shouldn’t have a rounded apologetic, and be able to discuss the evidences for God, creationism, etc. However, “proving God” is not a predicate for evangelism.

Further, the fact that men know of God means that we can appeal to their consciences from the outset.

If one knows that God exists (as Paul has said), then one also knows that:

* God must be bigger than man
* God’s authority must be superior to man’s, and therefore:
* Man must be subject to One who has the power to rule him, and the divine right to do so.

Now, people don’t like that. So they oppose it. They deny their accountability to God, by denying that he’s there. That’s why atheism (and strains of agnosticism) is appealing. Such denial allows the human heart to do what it already wants to do: celebrate and advocate its own autonomy.

In a word, this is rebellion.

Toby B. Holt is a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.